The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-21
GUITEAU'S HEAD.
in "A Glass Case, 1t VIM Be Put In
Service a Museum Attraction.

Suspended in a Glass Case, 1t WIN BE Put In
Service as a Museum Attraction.
Prof E. NJ Worth, nephew of General Worth,
says that the head of Charles j. Guiteau, tina
assassin of President Garfield, which was always
supposed to have been buried under the floor in
mis- prison in Washington, is in this city. There
is nothing repulsive in the sight. Gulteau's face
bears no marks of suffering and simply looks az
though he were asleep. The head will probably
be exhibited soon, either in this city at Coney
Island. The manner in which it came into thS
hands of the present possessor is remarkable.
and will probably prove revelation to the gov
eminent officials at Washington.
Before Guiteaus execution the bids for own
ership of the coming cadaver were occasionally
fattering to the assassins vanity; but afterward
his feeling changed to one of horror that his
body was TO be hawked around or dissected, and
he made every provision to defeat any such
plans. He finally ordered his remains TO be
placed at the disposition of Rev. Dr. Hicks, as
he feared to trust even his own relatives. DR..
Hicks did all that he could. but in spite of his
efforts the body was dlssected and Ouiteaut
bones now on exhibition In the Army Medi-
cal Museum at Washington. while his head is in
possession of Professor Worth.
After the execution DR.. Hicks yielded to the
desire of the government for an autopsy OF thu
brain and he subsequently, as he thought, saw
the body lowered into the grave which had been
dug within the jail. He saw a coffin buried, bur
it contained no human remains.
Professor Worth says that he first heard OF
the existence of Guiteau's head two years ago.
He received letter signed with fictitious
disclose it's location. 1t took him some time to
gain the confidence os the writer and learn
where the head was concealed. He finally found
the head floating in alcohol contained in a glass
jar. in the cellar of one of the finest residences
of Washington. 1t was in perfect state, ex-
cept that the nose slightly fattened The
circular jar also magniied the head and ais
torted the features. An effort was. therefore.
made to have square jar made large enough TO
hold the head. Holds were made, and the leading
glass manufacturers attempted to make the Jar,
hT1frv ant In
broke as they cooled. At last sectional vase
was made by Professor Worth himself, and in
this the head of the assassin is suspended. The
glass case rests upon a bronze pedestal. SO that
the top of the head is just at the same height as
when Guiteau stood upright
Professor Worth's life has been spent In gath
ering collection of curiosties, and he has grad
uallv gathered up every relic of Guitean pos
sessing public interest. Said the gentleman
who saw the head day two ago: The
stitches made by the physicians in restoring the
scalp TO it's original positions neat the
most skiliful embroidery There was the yell
low.sh furrow. showing the pressure Of the rope.
extending three-Quarters around the neck. IL
showed that tho knot had slipped from the left
ear around to the back of the neck. His short
hair and mustache were perfect in life